Best 3 Hearty Layer Salad Recipes

Indulge in a symphony of flavors and textures with this delightful hearty layer salad recipe. This classic dish is a delightful combination of crisp lettuce, tender chicken, smoky bacon, hard-boiled eggs, sweet peas, crunchy carrots, and tangy red onions. Topped with a creamy and tangy dressing, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal. To tantalize your taste buds even further, we've included three additional variations of this salad: a Mexican layer salad with a spicy kick, a BLT layer salad for bacon lovers, and a colorful rainbow layer salad with a variety of fresh vegetables. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this hearty layer salad and its delicious variations.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HEARTY EIGHT-LAYER SALAD

Hearty Eight-Layer Salad image

I'm a 77-year-old great-grandmother and have been making this satisfying salad for years. It's my most requested recipe for family gatherings. It's simple to make ahead of time and looks lovely with all of its tasty layers. Dijon mustard gives a nice kick to the dressing. -Noreen Meyer, Madison, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups uncooked small pasta shells
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 cups shredded lettuce
3 hard-boiled large eggs, sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup julienned fully cooked ham
1 cup julienned hard salami
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas, thawed
DRESSING:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
TOPPINGS:
1 cup shredded Colby or Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Drizzle with oil; toss to coat. , Place the lettuce in a 2-1/2-qt. glass serving bowl; top with pasta and eggs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Layer with ham, salami and peas. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions and mustard. Spread over the top. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. , Just before serving, sprinkle with cheese and parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 417 calories, Fat 32g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 791mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

HEARTY EIGHT-LAYER SALAD

HEARTY EIGHT-LAYER SALAD image

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 ½ small shell macaroni, cooked, drained, and rinsed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups shredded lettuce
3 hard boiled eggs, sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup julienned fully cooked ham
1 cup julienned hard salami or additional ham
1 10 oz. package frozen peas, thawed
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Colby or Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons mined fresh parsley

Steps:

Drizzle cooked and cooled macaroni with oil; toss to coat. Place the lettuce in a 2-1/2- quart glass serving bowl; top with macaroni and eggs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Layer with ham, salami, and peas. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions, and mustard. Spread over the top. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Just before serving, sprinkle with cheese and parsley.

HEARTY LAYER SALAD

Hearty Layer Salad image

This is a pretty salad with a nice variety of flavors and textures. It's a "meal in a bowl" for lighter eating on a warm day.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

6 cups mixed salad greens
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup thinly sliced red onion, cut in half and separated
3 hard-boiled large eggs, sliced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
DRESSING:
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

In a large glass bowl, layer the first eight ingredients. In a blender, combine the dressing ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Serve with the salad.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

Prep vegetables in advance: To save time, chop and prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Look for crisp vegetables, ripe fruit, and flavorful cheese.
Don't overdress the salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Layer the salad in a clear glass bowl: This will allow you to see all of the beautiful layers of the salad and make it more appealing.
Chill the salad before serving: This will help the flavors to meld together and make the salad even more refreshing.

Conclusion:

A hearty layer salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. With its layers of fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese, and meat, it's a salad that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a satisfying and healthy meal, give this hearty layer salad a try.